Negligent product design has deadly consequences. While we anticipate children’s products to be designed with safety in mind, they often fail to meet baseline standards set by medical experts. It’s more common than most people realize – dangerous product designs have led to life-sthreatening injuries and even death.
In recent years, the manufacturers of inclined sleeper products for infants have been forced to recall their products following deadly accidents. Our firm is working to hold such companies liable for the damage they’ve done.
Inclined sleeper products are inherently flawed. Their design ignores the standard medical advice doctors have stood by for decades. Inclined sleepers allow babies to roll onto their stomachs and suffocate. While we expect these products to cradle our babies safely to sleep, they can, in fact, be incredibly deadly. If you own a recalled inclined sleeper product, discontinue use immediately. If your baby suffered injuries or death while using such products, contact our firm for a consultation as soon as possible.
Products Included in the Inclined Sleeper Recall
In June 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced new federal safety standards, effectively banning the sale of inclined sleeper products. This includes:
- Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper
- Hiccapop DayDreamer
- Baby Delight Go With Me – Sway Portable Infant Rocker
- Baby Delight Nestle Nook Comfort – Plush Infant Napper
- SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper
- Chicco Lullaby Dream Playard’s inclined napper insert
- 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers
- 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders
- Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper
- Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Playard & Bedside Sleeper
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Nuzzle Nest Playard
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Everest Playard
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Rock ‘n Grow Playard
- Graco Little Lounger Rocking Seats
- Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper Inclined Sleepers
- Delta Children Inclined Sleepers
These products are the mere tip of the iceberg. While retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart have removed these products from shelves, some sleeper products remain on shelves. If you or someone you know has purchased an inclined infant sleeper, stop using it immediately.
Congress Bans Deadly Inclined Sleepers
In May 2022, Congress passed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. It bans inclined sleepers and crib bumpers. The legislation comes on the heels of hundreds of fatalities and years of parent and physician advocacy. The new law prevents the sale of infant sleeper products that feature more than 10 degrees of incline.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
While many people are familiar with the term Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is less well-known. SUID refers to the death of any baby less than a year old that occurs unexpectedly. Accidental suffocation and strangulation are considered forms of SUID. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, approximately 3,500 babies a year suffer from SUID. SIDs counts for about half of that figure. Inclined sleepers increase the risk of SUID.
Safe Alternatives for Babies
Experts advise parents to provide a flat, bare place for their infants to sleep. While you might enjoy a cozy bed yourself, babies lack the motor skills and strength necessary to turn over when they can’t get enough air. By placing infants in a bare crib, you reduce the risk of suffocation significantly. If you’re concerned about the baby being warm enough, simply dress them in warmer clothing for bed. It’s the safest way to ensure your baby gets the rest they need!
This video from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development of the National Institute of Health has more information on why Bare is Best
Frequently Asked Questions About Inclined Sleeper Lawsuits
If your infant has used an inclined sleeper and suffered injuries or death, you may have grounds for legal action. The following FAQs can help you determine next steps:
How Long Do I Have to File if My Child Was Hurt Or Died Due to an Inclined Sleeper?
Each state has their own unique statute of limitations, or deadline, for filing a product liability lawsuit. Wait too long and the court may decide to throw out your claim. Given the wide range of statutes of limitations, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An experienced product liability attorney can help you chart a course forward.
How Safe are Inclined Sleeper Products? Should My Baby Ever Sleep on an Incline?
Infants under one year old should never sleep on an incline. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting babies to sleep on a flat, firm surface with no bedding. This prevents the risk of infants rolling over and suffocating, as happened on inclined sleeper devices.
What Compensation is Available for Inclined Sleeper Claims?
Compensation depends on the severity of the injuries sustained when using the inclined sleeper in question. In some cases, plaintiffs may be eligible for:
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
To best understand the value of your claim, contact an experienced attorney for a consultation.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Pursue Justice?
An experienced product liability attorney can go to bat for grieving families. Our thoughtful, aggressive legal team knows what it means to demand fair compensation from major corporations. These companies often prioritize their bottom life over the safety of their products. This is especially egregious when it comes to baby care products.
We focus on protecting the rights of our clients through exhaustive case development. If your family has experienced a loss or an injury due to a recalled inclined sleeper, please reach out to us at (757) 233-0009.
